2024 Prediction from Melynda Barnes, M.D.

We asked our readers and some members of our editorial advisory board to make predictions for 2024. Here's what Melynda Barnes, M.D., said:

“Telehealth will be better than in-person care for certain chronic conditions. Telehealth offers a scalable solution to one of America’s most plaguing health challenges: obesity.

In 2024, more people will also access care for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) inhibitors through direct-to-patient care than in-person providers. We’ll see more people turning to direct-to-patient care as new, more efficacious GLP-1s are introduced.

Employers that offer GLP-1s will poach and retain top talent. Employers that take this risk will reap the benefit of employees incentivized to stay. Survey data even show 44% of people would change jobs to access obesity treatment, and 51% would stay at a job they didn’t like to retain access to obesity treatment.”